Monday, 24 March 2014

At one of my previous teaching jobs we had to fill out a paper at the end of the semestre saying where we were going, when, and supply an emergency contact. Every semestre there was also someone complaining about it.

Honestly, I don't see what the big deal is. I actually think it's a good thing. They're not asking for which hotel you're going to be at, which flight you'll be on, or anything like that, just basic information. If something were to happen to you, they would be able to get in touch with family or friends back home.

If your boss doesn't ask for this information, I think you should give someone (at work, or a friend) information about where you're going and when, as well as an emergency contact. If it's a friend, you might want to give them more details, such as flight info and hotel info. Finally, you might be able to register with your embassy so they can help you if you need help.

Thursday, 20 March 2014

If you know of any other good ones, please let me know by emailing me at naturegirl321@yahoo.com

Binus International School Simprug: They pay around the $2500 mark. They claim you must be a certified teacher, but it's not always required. I've heard people have been told to get a forged degree certificate and they'd give them a job.

Binus University: They pay $2000 and up. They
ask for an MA, but you might still get a job even if you don't have one.

JIKS(Jakarta Korean International School): They pay up to US$3000 and allegedly require a BA.

Monday, 17 March 2014

I started studying Spanish in 7th grade and all the way through middle school and high school my teachers taught me Spanish by using English. Only when I got to university did my teachers start using Spanish to teach Spanish.

Nowadays, people frown upon using students' L1 in class. While this might be because many of the teachers teaching EFL don't speak the students' native language. The other reason might be because teachers feel that students can learn faster if they just use English in class.

While this may be true, imagine how you would feel if you walked into a classroom and the teacher only spoke the target language. As a complete beginner this might be extremely daunting. You might feel frustrated or even give up. Granted, there are some gifted teachers who can only use the target language and have students understand, but many teachers don't adjust their language enough and both the students and teachers end up feeling frustrated.

I know from personal experience, when I started to study Korean, the teacher only spoke Korean. It wasn't the simple L+1 either, it was more like L+10. I ended up feeling very frustrated and upset at the teacher as well as myself. If she wrote on the board, I'd have to look up practically every word. She moved very quickly through the lessons as well. Even though I didn't understand, I didn't have the language ability to ask her. Nor did she have the English needed.

So what should you do? First, you need to adjust your language. Speak slower and simplify your vocabulary. IF you speak the students' L1, you might want to use it every once in a while. I'm not advocating saying everything in the students' L1 and then translating into English, but a word or two here and there can help. If you don't feel comfortable speaking the students' L1 or don't know it, try writing on the board or asking a higher student to help translate. If you're dealing with very low students, you might want to write what you're going to say on the board first, so that students can read along. This allows them to listen and read what is being said.

Friday, 14 March 2014

I'm a minimalist. I'm constantly giving away things I don't need and I hate clutter. I'm the type of minimalist that annoys other people because I'm always begging them to let me organise their closets. Yet despite all this, I've been wary to go paperless.

Don't get me wrong, I hardly use paper in the classroom as it is. Of course, students have books, but I'm talking about extra worksheets and all that.

From drminternational.com

Despite being young I have a fear of technology. I grew up with a TV that you could fix by smacking it or sticking a coat hanger in to make an antenna. You can't do that with stuck now; it breaks. they just don't make things like they used to.

I'm starting to use technology more and more and recently came across 40 Android Apps for Teaching and Learning from the Chronicle, though I've recently converted to an iPhone and finally see what everyone's talking about.

It seems like Facebook has taken over the world and everyone's online. Just take a look at the post I wrote about personal learning networks. I'm afraid that my computer ate my homework or someone will hack in to my account. Once something is gone, it's gone. It's not like paper that you can fish out of the trash. With that being said, I haven't gone completely paperless, although eventually I'd like to. I use paper in my classroom for a couple of activities.

1. Grading. I usually use rubrics. To cut down on the amount of paper and toner/ink I use, I try to print out a couple complete rubrics for students to see and then just use score sheets for their grades. By doing this, I can fit 4-6 score sheets on a page. It's not pretty, but it saves paper. Online grading is great. I've used edu 2.0 and engrade and love them.

2. Answers. Students work at different paces. When doing activities such as proofreading, it's really hard for students to compare their answers to the correct answers. I'll put the entire paragraph on paper and bold the correct answers. I can usually fit about 4-6 paragraphs on a page. That means for a class of 30, I only need to use 5 pieces of paper, max. BUT, it gets better. I reuse the papers for the next class. Gotta give me points for that.

Two other alternatives for using paper for answers would be to email students the answers and have them check at home or upload them to the intranet.

3. Grade Sheet. I've semi-converted to cloud computing, but computers at my work are slow and when they're shut down they automatically delete everything you've downloaded on them. That means I'd have to re-download the program every time I want to use it. I can't be bothered, so I use a usb. The problem with this is that usbs tend to break and you lose everything. I print out my grade sheet and have a hard copy available just in case. I suppose that using edu 2.0 and engrade would eliminate this issue.

4. Student Work. With over 100 students per semester, I really don't know if I want to get 1000s of emails a semester with student assignments. edu 2.0 and engrade are supposedly good at managing that. I've been told that the former can even help grade easy quizzes/tests, such as multiple choice or true/false. Essays, CVs, or Cover Letters are more difficult.

I'm one of those people who like to curl up with a good book, not with an ereader. There's the whole debate that books are better since they can be recycled and sustainable forestry requires two trees to be planted when one is cut down. Plus, egraders require batteries/electricity and are harder to recycle.

I find it easier to grade papers when I'm writing on them, not looking at a screen. This also means that I can stick papers in my purse and grade anywhere, rather than lug my laptop around with me. However, I think I should change. There are two reasons why grading on the computer is better. First, I personally type a heck of a lot faster than I can write. Second, you know what it's like when you hand back a paper to a student, they crumple it up, and throw it away. Then at the end of the semester, they come and complain about their grades but have no evidence to back it up? Using a computer would solve both of those. I could save all their work and eliminate paper use.

5. Quizzes/Tests/Exams. Once again edu 2.0 and engrade are supposedly good at managing that. However, I don't think I could do that. I wouldn't trust students to take quizzes at home alone without help. Second, most of my classrooms only have one computer in it, so students couldn't take the quizzes in class. I try to make quizzes, tests, and exams short. For my classes, students take 8 quizzes and 4 exams. One paper is needed for the 8 quizzes and they use that paper all semester. Half a paper is used for the 4 exams and they use that paper all semester. Granted, I'm using paper, but not that much.

The only alternatives I see to using paper for quizzes would be to create open-book quizzes which can be taken at home or to have the school buy enough computers so that they can be taken in class.

Mother Goose Academy: For teaching children aged 1-5 years old you'll get $2000 usd a month.You have to work 40-45 hours a week and work on Saturdays and Sundays. You'll be provided with airfare, paid holidays, medical, housing, and a contract completion bonus. mothergoosejobs@gmail.com

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

I was talking to a friend the other day and he was complaining that his feet hurt. It’s a common complaint among TEFL teachers, so I told him he should sit down while students are working. He told me he couldn’t: teachers weren’t allowed to sit down at his institute. Teachers are expected to stay the entire class, every class.

That’s a bit ridiculous. I know that the push is for teachers walk around the room and monitor students, but it doesn’t have to be constant.

First, it’s hard on teachers. Web MD says that long periods of standing can cause varicose veins. The NHS backs this research up.

Secondly, it’s really annoying for the students. Imagine being a student and constantly having a teacher walk around and look over your shoulder to check your work. It would be nerve wracking and seem like the teacher didn’t trust you to do your work.

Third, standing up doesn’t really serve a purpose. Some people say it helps control a class, but let’s face it, if you can’t control them sitting down, you probably can’t control them standing up. Others say it makes the teacher look more professional. I disagree. There’s more to it such as appropriate clothing and posture.

However, I realise that some places don’t really care about this. Many institutes are run by people who have no idea about teaching and have never taught a class in their lives: they’re just business people and there’s nothing that will make them change their mind. If that’s the case and if you do have to be on your feet all day, Wed MD suggests stretching your legs (on slide 19)

Monday, 10 March 2014

There are many, many foreigners living in China, but because it's such a big country, depending on where you live, you might not see other foreigners regularly. It's nice to get an idea about what it's like to teach English in China before you go. Here are a few good books written by teachers who have taught in China. They're definitely worth a read!

Visa rules are changing in China. In theory, you now need a TEFL cert, a degree, 2 years teaching experience, and to be over the age of 24. Although you may be referred to as a foreign guest or a foreign expert, don't forget that the reason that you're in China is because you are an employee.

Many good jobs in China are part of consortium
agreements through Western universities such as those in Australia, the
UK, and the US. You'll usually need a Master's degree and a couple
years experience.
If you know of any other good ones, please let me know by emailing me at naturegirl321@yahoo.com

Ameson: They have the American High School (+AP) Programme (AHSP) that pays up to $5,000 a month. They need English literature and composition, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers. You'll teach a max of 20 hours per week. Free furnished apartment or housing allowance, airfare, Chinese lessons, and more.

British Council IELTS examiner:
They need people to give oral exams on the weekends in various cities
around China. You can also grade written exams. Pay is usually around
3,000 rmb for a weekend plus they'll help pay for your transport, hotel,
and food. You'll need a TEFL cert and 3 years teaching experience. Contact
exapps@britishcouncil.org.cn Edit: It seems the British Council will be phasing out part-time weekend examining.

British Normal University and Hong Kong Baptist University BNU-HKBU:
They have positions in Zhuhai. You'll need at least an MA with
extensive related work experience. Research interests and experience are
desirable. You'll get a two year contract with salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, medical insurance, and housing. Email recruit@uic.edu.hk

British School of Nanjing: They need teaching assistants with at least a BA. Salary starts around 6,000 RMB and you'll also get medical, flights, relocation costs, accommodations, lunch, and 170 days paid holidays. Email hr@bsn.org.cn

Brookhaven College: You'll work between 8 weeks and 9 months. It's a part-time position that pays $45.09 an hour. You'll need at least a BA in Linguistics, English, Foreign Language (with a major in TESOL), Bilingual Education, or Education plus teaching experience or graduate coursework. You can see their job on the Dallas County Community College District website. US citizens only.

Coastline Community College in Guangzhou: They recruit off of tesol.org You'll need a Master's plus at least 3 years experience and to be an American. TOEFL prep and experience teaching
overseas are desirable. For teaching a max of 20 hours per week and
being on campus for a total of 30, you'll get about $12,500 per semester
plus housing, flights, and weekly living allowance. Contact Chris Mefford (cmefford@coastline.edu)

Dipont Education: They hire teachers to teach in A Level
and AP centers around China. It seems like now they prefer hiring
teachers with licenses. However, if you don't have a license and are
able to teach subjects like math, science, business, or economics, you
should apply. Salary and benefits are rumoured to be pretty good.

Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE): At the Global Institute of Management and Economics. You'll get 15,000 RMB plus 2,500 for housing, 8,000 for relocation. You'll teach two 45 minute lessons a week with 8 classes. You'll need to have university teaching experience and research skills. There are lecturer, senior lecturer, assistant professor, and associate professor positions available. You'll need a minimum of a BA in English (or similar qualification) and experience teaching tertiary/university students.

Duke-Kunshan University-Wuhan University in Shanghai

Elan School: BA plus at least 1 year teaching experience required. Applicants already in China are preferred. You'll teach literature and writing courses to K-12 students, help in the library, and research and develop projects. Salary is $25,000-$40,000. Elan School is part of Time Education China.

Fairmont Schools: The Joint Diploma Manager who works with Fairmont and partner schools gets about $60,000-$70,000 a year

Gidear Education: 11,000rmb per month plus free housing, and 3 meals a day during workdays. You'll also get an 8,000 a year travel bonus and they'll reimburse you for visa fees. 2+ months paid vacation and a 10% yearly raise. Children are aged 2-6. The owner is Taiwanese and has been educated in the US and the foreign manager is American. Contact: email: sasimirobot@gmail.com or phone: (+86) 183-0960-5353

Glasgow Jinan: They just signed an agreement and might have good jobs in the future.

Hanshan Normal University: You just need a BA. Not the highest paying job out there. They
don't cover airfare or utilities like they used to, however, teachers
get about 7000-7600 RMB a month. They also get paid over the summer if
they renew their contract. Here's an old job advert of theirs.

INSPIRITAS: They need a head teacher for an international school. You must have a BA and at least 3 years experience. You also need a certification, license, or degree in TESOL or ESL. INSPIRITAS works with international schools to prep students for admission to top-tier American universities. Employer will assist with relocation costs. You'll get $30,000-$50,000 a year tax free, accommodation, up to 10,000 rmb for airfaire, 12,000 rmb for a annual completion bonus, paid summer and winter vacations. They will also help with visa fees, work permits, and airport pickup.

John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Nanjing Campus

Kaplan: 200,000-280,000 rmb a year plus free accommodations (or an allowance), flights, baggage allowance, insurance, settling-in allowance, and paid leave. Regular EFL positions as well as a variety of EAP positions are available. You'll need a Master's degree and at least 2 years teaching experience. They work closely with NCUK and SBC. They work with NCUK (Northern Consortium UK), SBC (Sino-British College), USPP (US-Sino Pathways Programme). Although the information might be a bit old on their site, the application form is usually kept up-to-date.

Mother Goose Academy:
For teaching children aged 1-5 years old you'll get $2000 a
month.You have to work 40-45 hours a week and work on Saturdays and
Sundays. You'll be provided with airfare, paid holidays, medical,
housing, and a contract completion bonus. The website is for HK, but they are expanding into China, starting with Dalian. mothergoosejobs@gmail.com

New York University (NYU) Shanghai:
Another consortium university that has started in China. They don't
offer salary details, but I imagine it would be similar to what other
consortium universities offer.

Sino British College (SBC): About 22,000 rmb a month plus accommodations, living allowance, flights, baggage allowance, insurance, settling-in allowance, and paid leave. You'll need a Master's plus at least 2 years teaching experience. They work closely with NCUK and SBC.

Soochow University: EAP Instructors are needed at the College of Nano Science and Technology. You'll need an MA plus teaching experience. Assistance with relocation costs. An interest in science and teaching experience in China is preferred. Email yangyangcnst@suda.edu.cn

University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC): All jobs offer benefits such as accommodation allowance, travel allowance, and insurance. You can see some sample salaries and requirements below. They also need
people to teach Economics, International Business, International
Communication, International Studies, Art and Design, Math, Computer
Science, Social Studies, Chinese, International Politics, Environmental
Engineering, and Physics. They might also add more subjects in the
future. Here's where they advertise their jobs.

Course tutors in the Centre for English Language Education: salary is 339,554-369,000 rmb. You must have a DELTA or an MA in ELT /
Applied Linguistics, extensive teaching experience, experience outside
of Western Europe is preferred. You must be confident in analysing language and providing explicit, constructive feedback. Experience teaching in China or teaching Chinese foundation level students would be a distinct advantage.

Senior Course Tutor in the Centre for English Language Education: salary is 411,458 to 491,303 rmb. In addition to having proven management experience in EAP and EFL courses, you must have a DELTA or an MA in ELT / Applied Linguistics, extensive teaching experience, experience outside of Western Europe is preferred. You must be confident in analysing language and providing explicit, constructive feedback. Experience teaching in China or teaching Chinese foundation level students would be a distinct advantage.

Preliminary Year Senior Tutor for English Language and Literature in the Preliminary Programme: salary is 411,458-491,303 rmb. You must have an MA in English Language and Literature or related field, QTS (qualified teacher status) for example, PGCE or other professionally accredited qualification, and substantial experience teaching English Language and Literature at the secondary/post-secondary level.

Wenzhou-Kean University: They need English, Philosophy, Computer Science, Finance, Accounting, International Business Management, Economics, History, Political Science, Math, Biology, Marketing, and Interactive Graphic Design teachers. They might also add more subjects in the future. You'll need at least an MA (PhDs are preferred). They don't list salary, but say that they include travel, housing, and relocation.

IELTS in China
China is a big market and they currently have 4 centres there: Shanghai,
Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. They have also been known to
examine in other capital cities if the need arises. They're always
hiring and often advertise on Dave's ESL Cafe.

While your income might not be stable, it's a nice source of extra
income. One week you might get 10 written exams to grade, but the next
you could get 60. Some people have reported getting about 3000 RMB for a
day and a half of oral English. Since many employers in China pay 4000
to 10,000 RMB a month, 3000 RMB for a weekend is pretty good money. Some
people have been able to make an extra 10,000 to 15,000 a month. You
may need permission from your current employer in order to work for
someone else. Check your contract just in case.

Due to the fact that giving exams is tiring and you will probably be
asked on do exams twice a month, although in Beijing some people have
done exams three times a month. Exams are usually on the weekends, but
they can also be held during the week. If you are required to travel
the British Council will help pay for your transport, hotel, and give
you some money for food. Many people enjoy giving exams as it provides a
different environment than teaching, pays well, and boosts their CV.